The Aga Khan Award for Architecture was a pioneering and visionary effort to induce improvement in the built environment of Muslims by highlighting worthy examples of effective solutions and brilliant design. The power of example, HH the Aga Khan rightly believed, would be more powerful than attempts at censure. He was right. Today, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture is considered the premier Architectural award for buildings. It is highly regarded and appreciated. The bold vision of HH the Aga Khan was successfully implemented with unwavering commitment to excellence, and a thoughtful, incredibly thorough “nomination – technical review – selection” process. The integrity of the process, the caliber of the people selected to participate in it, and the quality of the results all contributed to the high standing that the Award received.